The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin

Embark on a riotous journey into 18th-century England with the British historical comedy series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, which first graced screens on March 1, 2024, on Apple TV+. The show is a whimsical reinterpretation of the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin's life, providing a humorous spin that diverges drastically from the criminal's historically grim narrative. Starring Noel Fielding as the protagonist, this series paints Turpin as a lovable yet bumbling character who invariably finds the role of an infamous bandit quite a misfit for him. He is constantly enveloped in outlandish yet comedic misadventures while leading a motley crew of outlaws, striving to rise to the acclaim of England's premier highwayman.

The show marries the 18th-century setting with a sharp modern wit, resulting in a delightful televisual concoction that offers a fresh perspective on the period. You'll find Fielding's Turpin to be naively endearing, often resorting to off-the-beat strategies that land him and his companions in delightfully amusing predicaments, subverting the conventional image of the ruthless highwayman. Alongside Turpin, an array of eccentric and vibrant support characters amplify the series' humor and narrative intricacies.

Behind the cameras, Ben Palmer and George Kane divvy up directorial duties, with the former helming the initial trio of episodes and the latter the subsequent three. The creative engine of the show comprises writers Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis, Stuart Lane, Richard Naylor, Jon Brittain, and Fielding himself, contributing to its cleverness and charm. The program's production bears the hallmark of a joint venture between Apple TV+ and the esteemed Big Talk Studios, recognized for their comedic creations.

Upon its debut, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin garnered laudation for its ingenious plot and Fielding's magnetic portrayal of Turpin, with critics extolling its seamless fusion of history-laced humor and modern-day laughs. The series was buoyant enough in its acclaim to secure a second season by July 2024. Unfortunately, unforeseen hurdles in production led to the premature axing of the show's continuation in January 2025. Yet fans were granted some solace with the release of a conclusive seventh episode on October 15, 2025—footage that was fortunately shot before the cancellation was announced.

Fielding's lead performance is bolstered by a stellar cast, including Hugh Bonneville as the unscrupulous officer Jonathan Wilde, Asim Chaudhry, Tamsin Greig, among others, who collectively enliven the series' spirited and humorous narrative. The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin carves a niche for itself with its distinctive concoction of period comedy and playful humor. Through its creative storytelling and memorable acting, it has imprinted itself on the collective memory of its viewers, securing its position within the realm of modern comedic television.